Potential successor to Zimbabwe's Mugabe hospitalized in South Africa

Zimbabwe’s Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa, a possible successor to 94-year-old President Robert Mugabe, has been hospitalized in South Africa.

Mugabe made the announcement on Monday when Mnangagwa was absent from celebrations to mark Heroes Day in Zimbabwe's capital Harare.

“He is not back yet from hospital in Johannesburg,” Mugabe said, and did not give any further details about his condition.

Mnangagwa and Pelekezela Mphoko are Mugabe’s vice presidents in the ruling ZANU-PF party and government, but the former is seen as the most likely successor, following his elevation to the post in 2014.

The issue of who will succeed Mugabe has deeply divided the ruling party into two factions – one supporting Mnangagwa, the other Mugabe’s wife Grace.

Local private media reported that Mnangagwa had suffered suspected food poisoning.

Nicknamed “Crocodile” in the Shona language, Mnangagwa was appointed vice president after the sacking of Joice Mujuru, who had held the position for 10 years.

Mujuru has since formed a party that is part of a coalition to challenge Mugabe, who has been president of Zimbabwe since 1987, after becoming the country's prime minister in 1980.

(CGTN)